a message from the Superintendent

Dr. Patricia I. Wright - Superintendent of Public Instruction

(click here for the video version of this message)

It is an honor to serve as Virginia’s twenty-third superintendent of public instruction.

The high expectations of the Standards of Learning, effective accountability and a statewide system of support form the foundation for academic excellence in the commonwealth’s public schools.

Virginia public schools are building on this foundation by creating new opportunities for enrichment and advanced learning at every grade level.

Through the Virginia Index of Performance (VIP) incentive program, the Board of Education and Governor are recognizing schools and school divisions that achieve excellence goals.

With Governor Kaine’s leadership, school divisions, higher education and the private sector are collaborating to create career and technical academies that integrate rigorous instruction in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while meeting the needs of employers for highly skilled workers.

And with the support of the General Assembly, the commonwealth’s public schools are expanding early childhood programs for at-risk children and increasing the likelihood that students graduate from high school ready for college, postsecondary training or gainful employment in today’s global economy.

Public schools thrive when citizens are involved. If you are a parent, be a part of your child’s education. And even if you don’t have school-age children, there is much you can do as an informed citizen to support the commonwealth’s public schools as they prepare a new generation of Virginians for the challenges of the 21st century.

Patricia I. Wright
Superintendent of Public Instruction